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GERI says land assets enough to sustain dev’t activities

GLOBAL-ESTATE Resorts, Inc. (GERI) on Thursday said it has enough land to support its growth over the next ten years.

“The company has an expansive land bank in the flourishing centers of Batangas, Cavite, and Cagayan de Oro, sufficient to sustain its development activities in the next ten years,” GERI President Monica T. Salomon said during the company’s virtual annual stockholders’ meeting.

GERI, a subsidiary of Andrew L. Tan-led Megaworld Corp., is a developer of integrated tourism and leisure townships.

Ms. Salomon said that GERI aims to launch more leisure estates and lifestyle communities that are “integrated with nature.”

“To realize the company’s vision for its development model, the company formed an integrated resorts property management to provide resort style property management for the company’s destination estates as well as hospitality inspired customer experience to leisure property buyers,” she said.  

“Through integrated resorts, the company seeks to facilitate harmonious engagements inside its communities while promoting a culture of stewardship towards the natural environment integrated into its developments for the enjoyment of the present and future generations,” she added.

GERI has nine tourism estates and integrated lifestyle communities nationwide covering over 3,300 hectares of land namely: Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas (1,200 hectares); Southwoods City in Biñan, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite (561 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island, Aklan (150 hectares); and Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares).

Also included in the company’s portfolio are Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); Arden Botanical Estate at the boundary of Trece Martires and Tanza in Cavite (251 hectares); and Sherwood Hills in Trece Martires, Cavite (340 hectares).

For the first quarter, GERI saw a 5% increase in its net income to P596.5 million as consolidated revenue rose by 3.4% to P2.1 billion.

Real estate sales dropped by 4% to P1.61 billion while hotel revenue surged by 41% to P201.6 million due to the continued rise of local tourism and travel.

Rental income rose by 4% to P128.7 million led by higher occupancy of retail spaces.

GERI shares rose by 1.37% or one centavo, closing at 74 centavos per share. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

K-Dramas refreshed with the PPO

KOREAN DRAMAS, or K-Dramas, are loved for their heart-pounding and tear-inducing qualities. The complex emotions in Descendants of the Sun and cherished memories in Crash Landing on You, for example, resonate with Filipinos’ penchant for drama and romance.

On June 29, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will celebrate this genre of entertainment with OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert.

The PPO will be playing music to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic relations. The concert is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines.

Led by conductor Herminigildo Ranera, the PPO will perform melodies from both South Korean and Filipino dramas and films. For this concert, South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho will give renditions of K-drama OST favorites while singers Julie Anne San Jose and Zephanie Dimaranan will perform music from Filipino adaptations of K-dramas.

“Cultural exchange plays a pivotal role in Philippine-South Korean relations, ushered in by Hallyu (Korean Wave) and facilitated by the popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, cuisine, and language in the Philippines,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga in a statement.

“These cultural exchanges and exposure play a crucial role in enriching our societies, promoting mutual respect, inspiring artistic innovation, and broadening our horizons, ultimately enhancing our collective critical understanding.”

The event is free to the public. Seats may be reserved via bit.ly/ostsymphony

Adapting and leading the way in post-pandemic healthcare

With COVID-19 seeming like a distant memory for Filipinos, the Philippines’ focus has shifted to addressing longstanding healthcare challenges driven by the lessons Filipinos learned during the health crisis.

According to Christopher Tan, Cocolife’s Head of Sales and Marketing Department in their Healthcare Division, the pandemic impacted the healthcare industry in several ways ranging from the population’s awareness to the integration of technological advancements in healthcare.

He noted that during COVID-19, healthcare facilities were mostly availed by those requiring urgent care as the population feared the virus and the government’s restriction of public movement. Mr. Tan said that this fear and restriction led to the rise of telehealth services as the patients became more open to and complacent with virtual consultations which in turn led to greater investment in telemedicine infrastructure and technology by healthcare providers.

Christopher Tan, Cocolife’s Head of Sales and Marketing Department, Healthcare Division

“Once the restrictions were lifted, the population became more comfortable with visiting healthcare facilities again. Moreover, the pandemic has raised the population’s awareness about the importance of health and preventive care; and the people are more conscious about maintaining overall health to prevent illnesses,” he said.

However, while population awareness and initiatives to maintain health are great outcomes after a health crisis, they also resulted in the rise of the so-called “revenge claims.” Mr. Tan said such a trend in healthcare insurance has caused industry losses for the past years which, coupled with the inflation of medical costs, “revenge claims” forced providers to increase their prices of membership fees.

These trends have made it challenging for healthcare insurance providers and health maintenance organizations to stay relevant and competitive in the market. In this regard, Cocolife continuously reviews its products and services to ensure they meet its members’ healthcare demands.

“During the pandemic, Cocolife has beefed up its capabilities to provide access to physicians for telemedicine by accrediting a third-party provider to complement the in-house physicians of Cocolife for the members’ needs for teleconsultation. The telemedicine capabilities of Cocolife also provide access to mental health consultants/specialists to address the increasing demand for mental health services,” Mr. Tan said.

He also stated that Cocolife continues to accredit its wide network of medical providers to give members from all over the country different options. Mr. Tan also said that his company has augmented its manpower to effectively and adequately provide convenient and satisfactory service to its growing member base.

With its team of customer service agents, he said that Cocolife has long been advocating the utilization of different communication channels to speed up and further enhance its service delivery system. This allows them to cater to their partners’ calls, emails, and messages regarding their requests and queries and provide 24/7 assistance.

Along with the launch of their Virtual Card application, Mr. Tan mentioned their investment in a company-wide system that will be used by the different divisions in its day-to-day operations and a separate system, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), developed for its customer service center to improve their operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.

For Mr. Tan, these enhancements in their overall system will help automate certain tasks, eliminating or reducing the need for human intervention and thus reducing room for human error.

Cocolife Virtual Card: Healthcare on Filipino’s fingertips

While the increased awareness of Filipinos about the importance of healthcare may be seen as one of the few bright spots that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased utility and integration of online applications and technology in their daily lives can also be considered as one.

Recognizing this trend, some in the healthcare insurance and health maintenance organizations industry embraced digital transformation, developing apps designed to enhance access to medical services and improve overall patient care. The premier healthcare app making waves in the Philippines is Cocolife’s Healthcare Virtual Card. Launched in December last year, the virtual card is a comprehensive healthcare solution that aims to bring quality healthcare to Filipinos’ fingertips.

According to Atty. Paulo Rabanal, Head of Technical Services and Compliance Department, Cocolife’s Healthcare Division, the application was developed to achieve the company’s mission to provide the highest quality standards of products and services to all its stakeholders as well as to improve the quality of life for Filipinos.

Atty. Paulo Rabanal, Cocolife’s Head of Technical Services and Compliance Department, Healthcare Division

“Ensuring that Cocolife provides the best possible healthcare experience for its members is one of the top priorities. As part of this effort, Cocolife is consistently embarking on service and product innovations to cater to the evolving needs and requirements of its partners,” Mr. Rabanal said.

The virtual healthcare card has redefined and improved Cocolife’s service capabilities by providing quicker access to medical services, making it more convenient and efficient for its members. Through the app, members can view and manage their profile and benefits details, access and review the availment process, their respective medical benefits, and the limitations of their insurance.

The virtual card’s Provider Directory feature allows the member to search for Cocolife’s accredited medical providers whether the closest hospitals and clinics or their preferred physicians and dentists.

“Cocolife’s Provider Directory is a valuable resource that allows members to easily search from Cocolife’s wide network of accredited medical providers. The Provider map feature enables members to locate the nearest facility with ease, making it convenient to access the care they need,” Mr. Rabanal noted.

Users of the Virtual Card application can also request for electronic letter of authorization (LOA) for their consultation or outpatient diagnostic procedures. Additionally, it serves as an alternative to the members’ physical cards as well.

“The members can easily request LOA through Virtual Card application, print it out, and submit it to their doctors and/or facility for their procedures. This saves them time and effort allowing them to focus on what matters most – their health and well-being,” Mr. Rabanal said.

These unique features set the Cocolife Virtual Card apart from other digital healthcare solutions. Aside from a seamless experience for all their healthcare needs, the innovative tool offers users of the app unparalleled convenience and efficiency in managing their authorization processes.

As Filipinos continue to use the services given on the internet daily and emphasize the importance of maintaining their health, Cocolife’s Virtual Card provides the answer to their needs, sets a precedent for future advancements in the healthcare industry, and ensures that quality care is always within reach for every Filipino.

For more information, visit https://www.cocolife.com/products/healthcare/.

 

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CALAX battles RoW challenges on 2 segments, eyes 2025 completion

THE METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said it is working to resolve right-of-way (RoW) issues for the Kawit to Governor’s Drive sections of its Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) project, aiming to meet the completion target by September 2025.

“We are still working on the right-of-way, but it is progressing… There are two remaining subsections, subsection 1 and 2,” MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Raul L. Ignacio told reporters in a recent interview. 

Subsection 1 of CALAX is an 8.8-kilometer, 2×2 lane expressway from Kawit Interchange to Open Canal Interchange, while Subsection 2 is a 9.8-kilometer, 2×2 lane expressway from Open Canal Interchange to Governor’s Drive Interchange.

CALAX, a four-lane, 45-kilometer toll road connecting the westbound Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) to the eastbound Mamplasan rotunda of the South Luzon Expressway, is set for completion by the third quarter of 2025.

Currently, MPTC has acquired the RoW for Subsection 3 of the CALAX project, from the Governor’s Drive Interchange in General Trias to the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange. 

The tollway company has secured approximately 76% of the RoW for Subsection 1 and 71% for Subsection 2, according to Mr. Ignacio.

“Practically, RoW for subsection 3 is 100%… Once we complete the subsection 3 that is almost 100%, we will partially open that,” he added.

MPTC is the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — AEOJ

Reforestation for the birds and turtles of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

While accustomed to a life on the move below water, female sea turtles use their geomagnetic abilities, or an internal GPS, to return to their place of birth and lay their own eggs.

At the same time, way above, migratory birds also possess their own inner compass, which guide them in moving from low resource areas to areas with high or increasing ones.

For both species, food and nesting locations are major considerations when determining where to go. This puts a premium on places that are bustling with plant life — mangroves for the turtles and trees for the birds — which host fishes and insects for their consumption. This puts emphasis on the importance of conserving and protecting these special sites.

Mangrove boardwalk. Visitors of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park can tour the site’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest — home to 108 different bird species — and, at the right timing, maybe even participate in the release of sea turtle hatchlings on its beach.

At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary for sea turtles and various bird species, owing to initiatives to populate the site with more trees and mangroves, as well as conscious efforts to conserve and protect wildlife.

Sea turtles and mangroves

Sea turtles can lay over 150 eggs at a time. Beaches with mangroves are among the suitable sea turtle nesting sites since the mangroves’ roots and dense vegetation offer safety and protection from predators and the sea waves.

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

In some cases around the world, mangroves provide temporary shelter, hiding spots, and ample food for the sea turtles. Mangrove ecosystems foster a rich biodiversity of marine organisms, like small fish and crustaceans, making it an ideal breeding and feeding area.

At Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, park personnel patrol its beach to monitor sea turtle nesting activities. A team from Davao Light, an Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) distribution utility, along with the Aboitiz Foundation and volunteers, help protect the area through educational campaigns, coastal clean-ups, and mangrove planting. Further, when the turtle eggs are seen to be vulnerable to being caught by the sea waves, they are transferred to the park’s turtle hatchery.

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

The park held its most recent sea turtle hatchling release last April, involving 90 hatchlings from a nest found in February. In total, 9,507 hatchlings have been released from the area since 2014. These turtles are immediately greeted by a rich coral reef surrounded by a 37-hectare Marine Protected Area.

While only a few will survive into adulthood, conservation efforts and proper waste management remain important to ensure that these endangered creatures can thrive in the oceans. Sea turtles help maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. Hawksbill sea turtles, in particular, live on coral reefs and, in their own way, give back to the environment by eating overgrown sponges that suffocate slow-growing corals, resulting in a healthy reef. They also help prevent the overpopulation of jellyfishes in the ocean.

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

To date, over 21,448 mangroves have been planted at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest. However, several natural and man-made factors have rendered its survival rate at only 30%, which emphasizes the need for continuous collaborative efforts to plant more mangroves and increase awareness of its importance to sea turtles and the rest of the natural world.

Birds and trees

An absolute hoot. The nocturnal gould’s frogmouth, a near-threatened species solely found in Southeast Asia, rests on a tree branch at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. Photo is courtesy of Davao Light.

Similarly, birds have a symbiotic relationship with trees. Most build their nests in trees as strong branches and dense canopies can keep their eggs and themselves safe from predators and other external threats. Barks are also adequate materials for building nests.

When it comes to food, flowers and leaves attract insects which are critical to a bird’s diet. Trees also provide other varieties of food, including sap, nuts, and fruit, as well as water that collects on its leaves, which birds use for drinking and bathing.

Golden. (L-R) The golden-bellied gerygone likes to stay in subtropical or tropical moist lowland or mangrove forests, while the golden-headed cisticola prefers grassy areas like rivers and wetlands. Pictures were taken by Peter Simpson at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

Aside from the mangrove reforestation site, the eight-hectare Aboitiz Cleanergy Park also propagates multiple native tree species. Consequently, many species of birds — from migrants, residents, to localized endemics — consider it their home. Following a recommendation by the University of the Philippines Mindanao and the University of Southeastern Philippines back in 2013, the park steadily propagated trees in the area through years of joint efforts from the public and private sectors, enabling an increase in the number of bird species residing there — rising from just five in 2015 to 108 in 2024.

As observed by birdists who frequent the park, more trees meant more food and shelter that accommodated the influx of more bird species. This growth was further sustained by habitat conservation activities and proper biodiversity management which made it a safer reserve for the birds, especially as too few people move around the area.

In other parts of the country, other AboitizPower business units in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao also consistently champion initiatives throughout the past few years to plant more trees and mangroves and produce carbon sinks within their host communities.

Mangrove boardwalk. Visitors of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park can tour the site’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest — home to 108 different bird species — and, at the right timing, maybe even participate in the release of sea turtle hatchlings on its beach.

With its efforts, Aboitiz Cleanergy Park continues to be a model of habitat conservation and biodiversity management in an urban setting. It affirms the collective vision of various stakeholders — AboitizPower and the rest of the Aboitiz Group, the local and national government, the academe, and other friends and volunteers — to create a positive impact by preserving the environment and nurturing wildlife.

 

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Entertainment News (06/28/24)

ANIMA Studios debuts queer series Marahuyo Project

IN time for Pride Month, ANIMA Studios has released the queer series, Marahuyo Project. Inspired by nostalgic 1990s barkada shows, it explores themes of representation, equality, and safe spaces through heartwarming and relatable stories revolving around a group of friends. With queer narratives at its core, the series’ diverse cast is led by Adrian Lindayag as King, a vocal and feisty transferee to the fictional traditional town of Marahuyo. There, he lobbies to create the first LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual plus) organization in the local school campus along with his newly formed friends group played by Nour Hooshmand, Yani Villarosa, AJ Sison, and Ian Villa. Marahuyo Project can be streamed via ANIMA Studios’ YouTube channel.

A Quiet Place: Day One now in Philippine cinemas

THE HORROR franchise of A Quiet Place gets more intense with the new prequel showing day one of its version of the apocalypse. It stars Lupita Nyong’o as Samira, one of the main survivors. According to writer-director Michael Sarnoski. her character was developed from his initial pitch of a woman going through the city in the middle of the apocalypse to get pizza from a childhood restaurant. In the middle of the chaos and horror, Samira and her cat Frodo find companionship in Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. A Quiet Place: Day One tells their tale of survival in the massive city of New York as it falls apart. The movie is now in Philippine cinemas.

Red Velvet fan tour coming to Metro Manila

K-POP group Red Velvet has announced that its fan tour will be coming to Metro Manila in September. The fan-con tour is titled <HAPPINESS : My Dear, ReVe1uv>, and is set for Sept. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The group’s members — Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri — will perform their hits live and will interact with their fans. More details will be revealed soon.

Thai horror-romcom My Boo comes to PHL

THE HORROR-romantic comedy My Boo revolves around gamer Joe (played by model-actor Sutthirak “Gee” Subvijitra), who inherits a haunted house. Down on his luck, he gets the idea of turning the place into a horror attraction and recruits its three resident ghosts to be his actors. Love begins to bloom when Joe develops a deep connection with the charming ghost, Anong (played by popstar-actress Maylada “Bow” Susri). Produced by Jungka Studio and written and directed by Khomkrit “S” Treewimol, My Boo has grossed over 100 million baht (around P158 million) in Thailand, one of the highest-grossing Thai films of 2024. It can now be seen in the Philippines exclusively in SM Cinemas.

The Met: Live in HD shows Verdi’s La Forza del Destino

GIUSEPPE Verdi’s opera, La Forza del Destino (The Power of Fate or The Force of Destiny), explores love, death, and betrayal through the intertwined journeys of anti-heroes Leonora, Alvaro, and Carlo. It is also the next opera in the current installment of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ The Met: LIVE in HD, a series of recordings of operas performed at the Metropolitan Theater in New York. Lise Davidsen takes on the titular role of Leonora while baritone Igor Golovatenko embodies the role of the vengeful Don Carlo, under the direction of Mariusz Treliński and guided by the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. La Forza del Destino will be screened on July 2, 5:30 p.m., exclusively at Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1 in Makati City. Regular tickets are priced at P350 while the discounted price for students and seniors is P100. Tickets are available at the venue’s ticket booth or can be booked online at www.sureseats.com.

Gateway holds Binibining Pilipinas 2024 photo exhibit

PAGEANT fans can get up close with their favorite Binibining Pilipinas 2024 candidates through the “Glam Shot and National Costume Photo Exhibit” at the Gateway Mall Activity Area in Araneta City, Quezon City. The exhibit showcases the contestants in seven-foot-tall portraits shot by official lensmen Raymond Saldana and Owen Reyes of Klickbox Studios. The contestants were styled by Patrick Henry Mergano for the portraits, and wear outfits by Manny Halasan and Allan Laserna. The exhibit is ongoing until June 30, then will be transferred to other Araneta City malls until the 60th Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on July 7.

Robinsons Antipolo holds pet adoption activity

ROBINSONS MALLS’ Happy Pets Club and the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) are organizing a slumber party for those who want to find a new pet to bond with. To be held at the Robinsons Antipolo Main Mall Atrium on July 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the adoption drive under the Gift of Furever Home program aims to find permanent loving homes for the stray cats and victims of dog-meat trade rescued by its partner advocacy group AKF. All cats and dogs are healthy, rehabilitated, and ready for adoption.

Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12 on HBO in July

THE 12th season of Larry David’s comedy where he plays an over-the-top version of himself is coming to HBO and HBO GO on July 8. The iconic Emmy and Golden Globe-winning comedy series will continue to prove how seemingly trivial details of one’s day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events. To keep the narrative spontaneous, the series is shot without a script and cast members are given scene outlines and improvise lines as they go. The series also stars Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, and Cheryl Hines.

Ayala Malls Cinemas screen Marupok A+

STARTING July 10, the catfishing film Marupok A+ (Where is the Lie?) will be shown in Ayala Malls Cinemas. Based on a true story that went viral on Twitter, it follows Janzen Torres (EJ Jallorina), a hopeless romantic who goes on a dating app and matches with the seemingly perfect Theo Balmaceda (Royce Cabrera). On the day of their first date, Janzen gets ghosted. This then leads to an intricately planned web of deceit and catfishing, with a sociopathic mastermind named Beanie Landridos (Maris Racal) behind all of it. The film, directed by Quark Henares, was previously shown in Cinemalaya 2023.

Dingdong Avanzado at The Theatre at Solaire in July

SINGER Dingdong Avanzado will be back onstage at The Theatre at Solaire to perform his greatest hits. Joining him in this one night-only event are the Jessa Zaragoza, Pablo of SB19, Jayda, Idol Philippines Season 2 winner Khimo, Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Duets champions Marielle Montellano and JM dela Cerna, singer/actor LA Santos, and pop music icon Randy Santiago. Dingdong Avanzado, The Original Prince of Pinoy Pop will take place on July 19, at 8 p.m., at The Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are now available via TicketWorld.

Jolianne releases R&B ballad

RISING singer-songwriter Jolianne has released “I’ll Be Somebody You Want,” an R&B ballad all about finding a genuine romantic connection with someone regardless of complexities and imperfections. Written by Jolianne, the song is produced by RJ Pineda, a keyboardist for Filipino bands such as Apartel and Brat Pack. “I’ll Be Somebody You Want” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Providing affordable and quality care through HMOs

Photo by vectorjuice on Freepik

Healthcare is a fundamental aspect of human well-being, and having access to quality healthcare services is essential for maintaining a high standard of living. Proper healthcare also ensures that individuals can lead healthy and productive lives that will further contribute positively to society.

However, healthcare expenses can have far-reaching consequences beyond just the financial aspect. These costs can lead to significant strain on individuals and families, creating barriers to accessing necessary medical care and even exacerbating health disparities.

According to the World Health Organization, global health spending in 2021 reached a record high of US$9.8 trillion, accounting for 10.3% of the global gross domestic product (GDP).

In the Philippines, healthcare expenses continue to be a major financial burden for Filipinos. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the average Filipino spent an average of P10,059.49 for healthcare in 2022.

Meanwhile, out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment, prescription drugs, and other healthcare-related services can also quickly add up, which will put a strain on household budgets.

Instead of foregoing necessary medical care or opt for cheaper, potentially less effective alternatives, individuals and families are getting healthcare insurance plan, such as those from health maintenance organizations (HMOs), to mitigate expenses.

HMO is a type of health insurance plan that offer comprehensive medical coverage through a network of contracted healthcare providers. According to a study published by StatPearls Publishing, HMOs have become increasingly popular in recent years because they can provide quality care at lower costs for members by combining financing and care delivery.

HMO members typically pay fixed monthly premiums, low or no deductibles, and modest co-pays for services. This makes healthcare more accessible and affordable, especially for those with limited budgets. In fact, studies have shown that HMO enrollees have 25%-30% lower healthcare expenditures compared to those with traditional fee-for-service insurance.

HMOs also have an ability to closely monitor and manage the care provided by their contracted network of doctors and hospitals.

For instance, Cocolife, a Filipino-owned stock life insurance company, is continuing to innovate its healthcare plans to help its clients and their loved ones achieve their dreams and aspirations.

In a statement, Atty. Jose Martin A. Loon, president and chief executive officer of Cocolife, said that their products and services are tailored to Filipino families to provide them with better financial protection and stability in the occurrence of unfortunate events.

“Our products cater to all segments and demographics — to all Filipinos. As the biggest Filipino stock-life insurance company, we value every peso invested in our products as we make it our mission to provide excellent and efficient service to all our countrymen. No matter how big or small your investment,” Atty. Loon added.

Ensuring comprehensive care post-pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in enrollment in HMOs across the Philippines, as individuals have recognized the value of comprehensive healthcare coverage and accessible care during these challenging times.

Many HMO plans have provisions for cost-sharing and out-of-pocket maximums, providing individuals with a greater sense of financial security during a time of economic uncertainty. In fact, HMOs saw a 17.3% surge in healthcare payouts in the first quarter of 2024, equivalent to $255.9 million in benefits. This was accompanied by a 20.09% year-over-year increase in total industry revenues, reaching $317.56 million. The Insurance Commission attributed this growth to a rise in membership fee collections, which totaled $303.26 million.

According to a report by Health-Scape Advisors, the economic impact of the pandemic has led employers to increasingly favor HMO products that can tightly control medical costs and administrative expenses, while limiting member cost-sharing. As employers look to defend against rising healthcare costs, they are shifting away from broad provider networks and high-deductible health plans towards more managed care options like HMOs.

Recent data also indicates that the percentage of covered workers enrolled in high-deductible health plans has leveled off in recent years, suggesting a potential resurgence in employer demand for HMO plans.

As a result, health insurers are responding by launching new and innovative HMO plans that leverage strategic partnerships with health systems, provider groups, and employers to enable accountable care at low premium price points.

HealthScape Advisors also mentioned that providers are increasingly open to joining capitated and delegated HMO models as they aim to protect themselves from potential revenue decreases and secure a larger portion of the premium. Therefore, there is growing cooperation between health plans and provider organizations to establish HMO networks.

Furthermore, the pandemic forced lockdowns and restricted in-person visits have driven the implementation of telehealth programs to continue providing care remotely. COVID-19 has also driven the expansion of telehealth capabilities, such as “virtual wards” that allow low-risk patients to receive hospital-level care at home.

In response, HMOs are leveraging telemedicine to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and drive better health outcomes. HMOs have been able to connect their enrollees with virtual healthcare professionals that provide convenient and accessible medical services. This approach helps to overcome geographical barriers, improve patient engagement, and ultimately boost patient satisfaction and loyalty.

The proliferation of smartphones also allowed HMOs to enhance their engagement with members through mobile health applications. These apps enable patients to schedule appointments, access their health plans, receive medication reminders, and even obtain personalized health tips, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

A research published in BMC Health Services Research also found that 23% of primary care physicians reported using telemedicine service apps, including HMO-provided applications, several times a day.

Meanwhile, electronic health records (EHRs) have enabled HMOs to streamline the management of patient data, further allowing healthcare providers to access comprehensive patient information in a centralized digital platform. This is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, ensuring they receive consistent and coordinated care across different healthcare facilities.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, psychiatric hospitals that were part of an HMO were 82.7% more likely to have a certified EHR system compared to those not affiliated with an HMO. The same study found that hospitals that were part of a preferred provider organization (PPO) were 87.8% more likely to have a certified EHR.

AI and data analytics are also being used to streamline administrative tasks within HMOs, such as automating data entry, processing claims, and managing medical records. These technology helps in reducing the administrative burden on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

Some forward-thinking HMOs are also exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to optimize their service delivery. For example, chatbots and virtual assistants powered by natural language processing is helping patients schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and get answers to basic medical questions. — Mhicole A. Moral

NGCP seeks ERC approval for grid upgrade project

NGCP.PH

THE NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it is seeking approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to upgrade Luzon and Leyte-Cebu Interconnection Lines 3 and 4.

This upgrade involves establishing 500-kilovolt (kV) backbone looping and extensions, which are part of the efforts “to continuously expand the power grid through ongoing transmission projects,” the NGCP said in a statement on Thursday.

“With expedited project approvals and proper support from the ERC and the DoE (Department of Energy), NGCP can do more and is ready to deliver more available power supply to the Filipino people,” the grid operator said.

The NGCP said that it is “more than ready” to accept additional generation capacity following the completion of its latest transmission backbone projects to meet the growing demand for electricity.

“Aside from strengthening our transmission network, the recently completed backbone projects allow NGCP to create room for additional generation capacity, whether from conventional or renewable power sources,” the NGCP added.

Among the NGCP’s recently energized projects are the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose 500-kV Transmission Line and the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kV Transmission Backbone.

The Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) adds 2,400 megawatts overhead transmission capacity and allows power sharing between the two regions of up to 450 megawatts (MW) of power, expandable to another 450 MW of capacity.

The grid operator said it has also completed Mindanao 230-kV Transmission Backbone extensions, which provides an additional transfer capacity of 2,200 MW in the north and 2,400 MW in the south of the region.

Ongoing projects such as the Tuy-Dasmarinas 500kV Transmission Line Project will provide a transmission capacity of 2,400 MW at its initial 230-kV energization stage.

Moreover, the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project in the Visayas will provide Bohol with 1,200-MW total interconnection capacity to Cebu island where MVIP is connected.

“Various new transmission backbone projects, such as the upgrade of the Luzon-Visayas HVDC (high-voltage direct current) interconnection, will upgrade the facility’s transfer capacity from 440 MW to 880 MW,” the NGCP said.

The grid operator also said that the country must double its current power output by installing more power plants “to keep up with the economy-driven rise in demand, and the continuing capacity degradation of aging power plants.” — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Gov’t to borrow P630B from local market in Q3

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THE GOVERNMENT is looking to borrow P630 billion from the domestic market in the third quarter, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said on Thursday.

The Treasury is targeting to raise P260 billion from Treasury bills (T-bills) and P370 billion via Treasury bonds (T-bonds) in the July-to-September period, it said in a notice on its website.

The borrowing plan for the third quarter is 7.69% higher than the P585-billion program for the second quarter.

The government raised just P498.207 billion this quarter, short of its plan.

For the third quarter, the Treasury will auction off more T-bonds with shorter tenors versus those seen in the April-to-June period, the notice showed, with the offer volumes for bonds with tenors above 10 years being smaller than those with shorter maturities. It will also offer bigger volumes of T-bills in its weekly auctions versus the previous quarter.

In July alone, the government is planning to borrow P215 billion, made up of P100 billion in T-bills and P115 billion in T-bonds.

The government will hold five auctions of T-bills next month and will look to raise P6.5 billion via the 91- and 182-day tenors at each offering. It will also offer P7 billion in 364-day T-bills weekly. Next month’s auctions will be held on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Meanwhile, the BTr will look to raise P30 billion via T-bonds in three of its four auctions in July, namely via five-year bonds on July 2, seven-year papers on July 9, and 10-year debt on July 16. For its last bond auction next month, it is seeking to borrow P25 billion via the 20-year tenor on July 23.

In August, the government wants raise P220 billion from the domestic market, or P80 billion from T-bills and P140 billion via T-bonds.

Broken down, the BTr will offer P6.5 billion worth of 91-day and 182-day T-bills and P7 billion in 364-day papers at its auctions on Aug. 5, 12, 19, and 27.

For the long-term papers, the government will offer P30 billion each in three-year T-bonds on July 30, five-year debt on Aug. 6, and seven-year bonds on Aug. 13. Meanwhile, it will look to raise P25 billion apiece through 14-year bonds on Aug. 20 and from 20-year papers on Aug. 28.

Lastly, for September, the Treasury is planning to raise P195 billion from the domestic market, or P80 billion through T-bills and P115 billion via T-bonds.

The BTr has four T-bill auctions scheduled in September. It will offer P6.5 billion in 91-day and 182-day T-bills and P7 billion in 364-day T-bills at each of its offerings on Sept. 2, 9, 16, and 23.

As for the long-tenored T-bonds, the Treasury wants to raise P30 billion each from three-year bonds on Sept. 3, via five-year papers on Sept. 10, and from 10-year debt on Sept. 17. The BTr will also look to borrow P25 billion via 20-year bonds on Sept. 24.

The Treasury likely upsized its planned T-bill offers for next quarter amid expectations of lower rates in the near term, a trader said in a text message.

“Demand should be good, especially if the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reiterates its rate cut outlook,” the trader said, adding that rates could be steady to lower, also depending on the central bank’s stance.

The increase in T-bill supply is likely “for the purpose of further smoothening the local yield curve,” Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“Nonetheless, the schedule … probably points to a posture for looming rate cuts,” Mr. Asuncion likewise said.

The Monetary Board on Thursday kept its policy rate at a 17-year high of 6.5% for a sixth straight meeting, as expected by all 15 analysts in a BusinessWorld poll.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. on Thursday signaled a “less restrictive” policy stance if there is a sustained improvement in the inflation outlook, adding they are “somewhat more likely than before” to begin their easing cycle by their next meeting, which is on Aug. 15.

Mr. Remolona said they could cut rates by 25 basis points (bps) in the third quarter and another 25 bps in the fourth quarter for a total of 50 bps in easing for the year, depending on data,

The Monetary Board’s Aug. 15 review is its only meeting in the third quarter. Meanwhile, its last two reviews for the year, which will be held in the fourth quarter, are scheduled on Oct. 17 and Dec. 19.

The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help fund its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.48 trillion or 5.6% of gross domestic product for this year. — AMCS

DoLE 10-year master plan hopes to match training, employer needs

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) on Wednesday said the alignment of education and training programs with employer needs is needed to sustain the momentum of the government’s 10-year employment master plan.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma presented the 10-year plan during the National Employment Summit, highlighting the four-point strategy of education and training upgrades youth upskilling, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthening social mechanisms.

“The first is to strengthen the alignment of education and training programs with industry requirements. The second is to expand employability programs in order to facilitate school-to-work and work-to-work transitions,” Mr. Laguesma said.

“The third is to reduce the regulatory burdens on MSMEs, and at the same time, ensure compliance with all labor standards. Last is to strengthen social protection mechanisms,  including measures for a just transition (to automation)  and the operationalization of the social protection framework,” he added.

Speaking at the same summit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. reiterated the government’s goal of creating at least three million new jobs before he ends his term.

“In line with our priorities, the outcomes that we desire, and strategies stated in the Philippine Development Plan, the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan, the Strategic Investment Priority Plan, and the Workforce Development Plan, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan will be one of the driving forces to help create at least three million new jobs by the year 2028,” he said.

He added that the government will provide upskilling and reskilling programs to enhance the competitiveness of the workforce here and overseas.

“The job of the government is to be able to bring you to the skill levels that are required so we can compete in the job markets, once again, here in the Philippines and also abroad. So, rest assured that this administration will continue to ensure the sustainability of jobs, upskilling, and reskilling of our workers to maintain the productivity and the edge of our labor force and our economy,” he said.

Mr. Marcos last year signed the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, establishing an inter-agency council to create a national ten-year employment roadmap to improve the Philippine workforce’s competitiveness.

On Thursday, Mr. Laguesma, Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, and Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan signed the Employment Covenant, a component of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan law. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Philippine education: Creating something out of nothing?

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

Conversation is essential when it is about cheap and reliable power, connectivity, and infrastructure, and always the flavor of any day, good governance. But unless we put education first in the list of priorities, we might be facing an existential problem. As Elizabeth King of the World Bank pointed out some 13 years ago during that year’s Education World Forum in London, “education is fundamental to development and growth.”

Education is a key component of human capital development, and it cuts across different sectors and concerns for possible constraints to economic growth. The human element is ever present.

It is the human mind that enables development achievements, from health advances and agricultural innovations to efficient public administration and growth of business. Obviously, the task of those who craft public policy is to unleash the potential of the human mind. As King stressed, “there is no better tool for doing so than education.”

But as early as 20 years before the London Education World Forum, several government officials and development partners from various countries had met to affirm the importance of education on both economic devel-opment and people’s lives. There was affirmation to the extent of declaring “Education for All” as a battle cry. But in subsequent years, while enrolment rose, learning levels remained disappointingly low and many seemed to have been left behind. The call was then transformed to “Learning for All.”

What is important and useful for the future is the knowledge and skill sets that young school children will acquire — not simply their school attendance — that will drive their own ability to land a job, increase their personal productivity, improve their health and well-being and their vital contribution to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

However, in the case of the Philippines, it looks like the problem is becoming two-fold. The number of school enrollees is declining and the quality of education continues to deteriorate. Unless public policy is decisively overhauled to arrest, mitigate, and reverse their impact on the quality of our labor force, the effectiveness of our political leadership and administration, and the functional literacy of our electorate and the rest of civil society, we shall continue to lag our regional neighbors in many ways.

In September last year, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) reported that even as classes had started for a month, enrollees were still 1.9 million short of the Department of Education (DepEd) target of 28.8 million students for school year 2023-2024. DepEd data show a total enrollment of 26.9 million in public schools, private schools, and state and local universities and colleges. The previous year’s level was 28.4 million.

For the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, the reason is poverty. DepEd data seemed to confirm this. Enrollment rose only in the National Capital Region (NCR) while Western Visayas recorded the biggest drop of 230,000 enrollees. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) had earlier reported that Western Visayas suffered from a poverty incidence of 13.8% in 2021 while the poverty incidence in the NCR was only 2.2%.

Aside from lack of resources to sustain their children’s schooling, poor families also expect their children to contribute to family income. There is a compelling reason for these children to be away from the classrooms.

Thus, PIDS summed up that school drop-out is a serious concern. Prematurely dropping out means a loss of potential productivity. Dropping out increases the cost of reaching the desired level of schooling among the popu-lation. Since the drop-out rate is highest for poor children, it means consigning them to a future low-income path.

The other problem with education in this country is the continued deterioration in its quality. A good take-off point here is the latest finding of the 27th Annual Global CEO Survey of professional services firm Pricewater-houseCoopers (PwC) conducted from October to November 2023. Some 54% of the CEOs of Philippine-based firms are worried about the viability of their business beyond the next 10 years unless they innovate the way they create, deliver, and capture value. The major obstacle cited by 71% of them was the lack of workforce skills. Some 69% are also concerned with the lack of technological capabilities in their companies.

It must be abundantly clear that education and skills training are at the heart of these major business concerns.

As we cited in our GlobalSource Partners report this week, a previous study conducted by several staff of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (“ASEAN-5 Countries: In Competition for FDI,” by Hazel Parcon-Santos, Maria Rica Amador, and Marie Edelweiss Romarate, 2021) indicated that in Southeast Asia, foreign investors look for good quality of human capital more than the cost of labor — in addition to a good credit rating, improved ease of doing business, and good public governance.

If we are to remain competitive in boosting investment and production in the Philippines, we need to start our intervention early. There is no other overriding reason for the urgency of public intervention than the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) for 2022 student assessment worldwide. It showed the Philippines ranked only 77th out of 81 countries for 15-year-old learners. This means our young Filipino students possessed low proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science.

In mathematics, for instance, Filipino students scored only 355 points, significantly below the global average of 472 points. In reading, the Philippines’ score was only 347 points, still below the global average score of 476 points. In science, we managed to obtain 356 points compared to the world average of 485 points, low enough to put us in third to the last place.

The implications of these results cannot be swept under the rug.

Only 16% of our students managed to qualify for level 2 proficiency in numbers, significantly below the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) average of 69%. This means that out of 10 Filipino students, less than two could “interpret and recognize, without direct instructions, how a simple situation can be represented mathematically.” In contrast, nearly nine out of 10 students in Singapore, Macao, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Estonia could handle it.

This weak proficiency is also reflected in Filipino students’ performance in reading and science. Less than a quarter can extract the main idea from a text of medium length, and almost none of them can comprehend lengthy texts and deal with more abstract concepts. In science, less than a quarter of them could explain familiar scientific phenomena or draw conclusion based on available data. Almost none of them could apply their knowledge of and about science to a wider variety of situations including unfamiliar scientific phenomena.

It is therefore painful to hear that DepEd officials could only talk about a possible reallocation of confidential funds to its National Learning Recovery Program in reaction to this latest PISA finding last year. This is aimed at closing the so-called learning gaps and assisting K to 12 learners in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide in achieving established learning standards. We definitely need more than this type of stop-gap measures. We should have started a couple of decades ago with correct instructional materials, more and more competent teachers and supervisors, stronger access to both hard and soft infrastructure, and even moral values instructions to our young students to break the perpetuation of corrupt values systems.

Congress should be aware that some DepEd reports indicate that the Philippines spends an average of only $11,030 per student compared with the average $102,612 per student in the other countries that participated in the PISA assessment. That is less than 11%, and no wonder the Filipinos’ scores were only a fraction of these high performing countries which knew how to invest in human capital.

How does one expect to establish a good trajectory of economic growth in the Philippines when the future members of its labor force are hardly literate, or even the ability of those who will be elected to public office to use science on various public issues is dismally low. It is difficult to imagine future legislators making laws without reading on and understanding research studies that could run into several hundred pages.

Equally important, the PISA for the first time tested students on how well they can use their imagination and creativity to produce and improve on ideas. Young Filipino students registered a mean score of 14 in this creative thinking assessment. This score is well below the OECD average of 33, putting the Philippines along with Albania, Uzbekistan, and Morocco as the lowest scorers. The top five countries were Singapore, Korea, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a score of 41, average Singapore students can be matched by only 3% of all Filipino students.

The Philippines should start thinking about developing human capital with strong academic competencies and the ability to think critically and creatively, with constant retooling and reskilling interventions. This is one critical ingredient to addressing the various constraints to economic growth, and to producing a smart citizenry who would vote on merits and demand accountability in public service. As the American statesman who is on the one-dollar bill put it: “For the best return on your money, pour out your purse into your head.”

That way, the Philippines can stop dreaming about creating something out of nothing.

 

Diwa C. Guinigundo is the former deputy governor for the Monetary and Economics Sector, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). He served the BSP for 41 years. In 2001-2003, he was alternate executive director at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC. He is the senior pastor of the Fullness of Christ International Ministries in Mandaluyong.

Harry Potter HBO TV series to be led by Succession alums

YOUTUBE.COM/@STREAMONMAX

LOS ANGELES — HBO announced on Wednesday that its upcoming Harry Potter television series will be led by Succession veterans Francesca Gardiner, as writer and showrunner, and Mark Mylod, as director of several episodes.

Both Ms. Gardiner and Mr. Mylod worked on the HBO series Succession about a dysfunctional family that runs a media empire, which won 19 Emmys. Ms. Gardiner was on the producing team and Mr. Mylod served as director and producer.

Ms. Gardiner is also known for her work on the HBO fantasy show His Dark Materials while Mr. Mylod directed episodes of Game of Thrones and the upcoming second season of The Last of Us.

HBO describes the Harry Potter series, which has not yet been officially titled, as “a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.”

British author Ms. Rowling said on X on Wednesday that she had high hopes for the series.

“I’m truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team,” Ms. Rowling said.

“Both have a genuine passion for #HarryPotter, and having read Francesca’s pilot script and heard Mark’s vision, I’m certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations,” she added.

HBO said “each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”

Warner Bros. Discovery announced it was making the new series about the boy wizard last year as part of its plans for its Max streaming service, which combines HBO Max with unscripted programming from Discovery.

The seven Harry Potter books have sold more than 600 million copies worldwide. They were adapted into blockbuster movies starring Daniel Radcliffe that grossed $7.7 billion globally from 2001 to 2011. — Reuters

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